Chicago Fire Acquire Right of First Refusal for Defender Eric Gehrig from Orlando City SC

CHICAGO (Dec. 10, 2014) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Wednesday that the club has acquired the Right of First Refusal for defender Eric Gehrig from Orlando City SC in exchange for the Fire’s natural selection in the second round of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Per MLS and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Eric’s got good MLS experience and will bring versatility to our back line,” said Fire Head Coach and Director of Soccer Frank Yallop. “I’ve always liked the style he plays. He’s solid, works hard and is coming here to push for a place in our lineup.”

Originally with Columbus Crew SC, Gehrig was selected in the 10th round of Wednesday’s Expansion Draft by Orlando City SC.

“Honestly, there aren’t any words to give justice to how thrilled I am to come back to Chicago. The Fire have been in my blood since I was a kid in the stands at Soldier Field watching Piotr Nowak and Josh Wolff. I’ve worked hard throughout my career, this is something I’ve always had in the back of my mind and I can’t believe it’s actually happening.

The Crown Point, Ind. native began his professional career on Feb. 21, 2011 when he joined the Columbus Crew as a Discovery Signing. Gehrig made his MLS debut on June 26 against the Colorado Rapids, and started four of eight appearances in his rookie season.

Gehrig started eight of 12 appearances in 2012, notching his first MLS assist on May 12 in a 2-1 win over FC Dallas.

The following season, Gehrig started all six of his MLS matches as a center back. In MLS Reserve League action, Gehrig captained the Crew in eight matches: six matches as a center back, one at right back and one at left back.

Gehrig made 20 MLS appearances for the Crew in 2014, starting 14 matches at both center back and as a right back. Gehrig made two postseason appearances for the Crew, starting the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal on the road against the New England Revolution.

A four-year standout at Loyola University Chicago, Gehrig appeared in 78 matches for the Ramblers, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists, earning All-Horizon League First Team honors in three consecutive years.

A Fire PDL product, Gehrig was a member of the squad that reached the PDL Championship game in 2009.